From flab to fab: Try these 5 yoga asanas to get washboard abs and a solid core

Haven’t we all dreamt of flaunting that flat tummy in a crop top, or grabbing eyeballs in a sexy bikini? Well, it’s time to use a secret weapon: yoga. Of course, there’s really no quick fix, but if you want a tight core and those washboard abs, then make yoga your best friend. It works as a brilliant tool to increase flexibility and muscle strength, and at the same time, tones your body like no other!

And if you thought that you’d only be using yoga for weight loss, then here’s a surprise for you: yoga works its magic on your mind too!

So roll out that yoga mat, and get set to try these powerful asanas that will give you a tight tummy in no time. 

1. Plank pose

The plank is the ultimate fat-burner and one of the best calorie-burning exercises you can do!

Directions:

• Start in a tabletop position. Align the knees under your hips and your shoulders over your wrists.
• Place your hands on the floor and step one foot back at a time, so that your torso is parallel to the floor.
• Allow the arms to remain perpendicular to the floor, with your shoulders aligned over your wrists.
• Press your outer arms inward and spread your shoulder blades wide.
• Spread the chest open, draw the tailbone down, lift the thighs, and reach back through the legs.
• Reach the head forward and gaze softly towards the floor.
• Stay in this position for 5 to 10 breath cycles.

2. Camel Hinge pose

This active pose engages your abs, thighs, and back. It can also counteract slouching and kyphosis of the spine!

Directions:

• Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart, toes tucked under.
• Extend your arms out straight in front of your chest, palms facing down.
• Lift your chest and press your pelvis forward as you hinge backwards, arching slightly through your lower back.
• Pause and focus on opening up your chest, while also keeping your rib cage down so that your belly button is drawn into your spine.
• Slowly return to the starting position.
• Repeat up to 10 times.

3. Bridge leg sweep pose

This pose sculpts your hamstrings and tightens your stomach.

Directions:

• Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
• Extend your arms by your sides, palms facing down.
• Brace your abs tight and press through your heels to bridge your hip off the floor.
• Keeping your hips lifted and square, extend your left leg up to the ceiling, foot flexed.
• Sweep your left leg to the right, passing the midline of your body and then sweep back out to the left, slightly past your left hip.
• Repeat 10 times (back and forth) with the left leg, and then switch legs and repeat 10 more times before lowering out of the bridge.

Also, read: Give these exercises 20 minutes daily to get rid of belly fat and build abs

4. Cobra pose

The wonder pose for a flat stomach and erect spine.

Directions:

• Lie face down.
• Spread your arms on the floor.
• Stretch your legs back and slowly lift your upper body.
• Make sure your pubis and toes form a straight line, and touch the floor.
• Hold this position for 25-30 seconds.

5. Side plank pose

This yoga pose is a double-whammy for your love handles and tummy.

Directions:

• Begin in the downward-facing dog pose.
• Lower your hips and shift your weight forward to come into the plank position.
• Step your feet together and press your weight down through your right hand and forearm.
• Tilt your body accordingly either to the right or left side.
• Raise the opposite arm in the air.
• Hold this pose for 15-30 seconds.
• Return to the downward-facing dog pose.

Practice these asanas regularly and reap the benefits of using yoga for weight loss. And who knows? Your sculpted tummy might be the talk of the town!